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Draft Grades

I do not put a lot of stock into draft grades, and like to grade drafts three years from now. I do, however, like to get an idea on how people view our picks. As i surfed the web i thought i would share this info. If any of this info is repeat, i apologize, i haven't read in a couple of days.

Yahoo:

Indiana Pacers: Paul George(notes), Lance Stephenson(notes), Magnum Rolle(notes)
Here's my issue with the Tracy McGrady(notes) comparisons for George. Paul is 20 right now, and at that age T-Mac was averaging more than 15 points and six rebounds for a Raptors team that made the playoffs -- with two blocks per game. This was the year before McGrady averaged 27 a game for Orlando. Paul averaged 17 and seven for Fresno State last season, and while his shooting numbers look smoother than a waxed yacht deck, you have to wonder about his motor and his placement on a Pacers team already featuring Danny Granger(notes).To get Stephenson and Rolle in the second round? And the cojones to go after George in spite of Granger's permanence? I dig it.
It might not work out, but I appreciate the moves.
Grade: A

The unheralded Fresno State swingman looked like an iffy prospect shortly after the college season ended. A string of strong workouts, however, elevated him to the No. 10 pick.

While it’s uncertain if the Indiana Pacers were disappointed (or glad) local star Gordon Hayward was selected a spot earlier by Utah, they showed some guts
by selecting George over the likes of Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry, Ed Davis, Patrick Patterson and Luke Babbitt. Now it’s up to George to prove he’s more than just hype.

Fortune also smiled on the Pacers, who, sources say, unsuccessfully tried to buy a late first-round pick for $3 million and an early second-rounder for $1.5 million to take Lance Stephenson, a former New York phenom. Despite their failed efforts, Stephenson fell to the Pacers anyway at No. 40.

The Pacers had hoped to lock up a point guard (the Nets' Devin Harris) and a power forward (Derrick Favors) in one fell swoop when they dangled Danny Granger and the No. 10 pick to Jersey. The Nets didn't bite, though, and Indy was left with Paul George, a late bloomer (he didn't play AAU ball until his senior year of high school) out of Fresno State who compares himself to Tracy McGrady. He's a good transition player who can shoot the three, a must in Jim O'Brien's offense. Indy took a flyer on Lance Stephenson, a good-sized two-guard who lacks many offensive skills, in the second round.

Larry Bird took a risk! And then he took another and another! The Pacers are known for drafting proven college players such as Brandon Rush, Tyler Hansbrough and Roy Hibbert. George was a departure from that ideology, one that has left the team mired in mediocrity. He's got great upside and looks a lot like Rudy Gay, but there's understandable concern that he is turnover prone, makes poor decisions and played low level competition at Fresno State. Stephenson could be very good, and at No. 40, his massive risk factor – egotism being the primary concern – is acceptable. Rolle played in the WAC with George but is the type of athlete the Pacers' frontcourt needs. The big question here is, how will George and Danny Granger play together? They share many of the same traits. Still, good – and refreshing – picks from Indiana

Re: Draft Grades

Analysis: For the past few years, Pacers execs Larry Bird and David Morway have not been swinging for the fences in the draft. Instead they have tried for singles and doubles and, for the most part, they've connected -- the results have been solid, but not game-changing.

This year, with the Pacers in desperate need of elite talent, they took a different tack, really going for it with an upside pick. In fact, George has as much upside as anyone in the draft not named Wall, Favors or Cousins.

George reminds some scouts of Tracy McGrady, believe it or not -- as T-Mac was, George is a great athlete with terrific size for his position who can shoot from range and really finish at the basket. At the same time, he hasn't consistently used those tools to dominate, which has led some scouts to compare him, less flatteringly, to Nick Young. His two seasons at Fresno State were underwhelming. Watching George play can leave you exhilarated and frustrated at the same time.

You could say similar things about Stephenson. He isn't the terrific athlete or great shooter that George is, but he has an NBA body and a power game that's well suited to the league. He too can dazzle you in moments and have you pulling your hair out at other times.

Rolle was a roll of the dice at 51. He's a terrific athlete and shot blocker who seldom dominated in college the way his talent suggested he could.

If George and Stephenson get it, Bird and Morway have hit a couple of home runs in the draft.

Re: Draft Grades

kind of ironic we got an F for drafting Paul George, a non PG, then get an A on Lance Stephenson, a non PG.

That didn't happen. CBS gave them an F and didn't distinguish between any of the picks.

The unheralded Fresno State swingman looked like an iffy prospect shortly after the college season ended. A string of strong workouts, however, elevated him to the No. 10 pick.

Awesome, we just won the Joe Alexander award for ignoring a season of results and going with the beauty of a workout.

If I were hiring a plumber I'd rather watch him work on jobs for 4 months straight than to go by the written exam I gave him. Aptitude is nice, but performance doing the actual job is much better.

I really need to see some outstanding play out of George and Lance in summer league. That's not the final say, but a lackluster effort is going to put this draft into a very dark light. If I just bet the longshot horse I don't want to see it come out of the gate in last place.

Re: Draft Grades

Re: Draft Grades

Very true. Remember last year when the Jets got Vernon Gholston and the Patriots got Jerod Mayo? Everyone thought that Gholston was going to be incredible and made fun of the Patriots for picking Mayo. A season later, Gholston didn't do anything and Mayo is the defensive rookie of the year.

Re: Draft Grades

That didn't happen. CBS gave them an F and didn't distinguish between any of the picks.

Awesome, we just won the Joe Alexander award for ignoring a season of results and going with the beauty of a workout.

If I were hiring a plumber I'd rather watch him work on jobs for 4 months straight than to go by the written exam I gave him. Aptitude is nice, but performance doing the actual job is much better.

I really need to see some outstanding play out of George and Lance in summer league. That's not the final say, but a lackluster effort is going to put this draft into a very dark light. If I just bet the longshot horse I don't want to see it come out of the gate in last place.

Re: Draft Grades

That didn't happen. CBS gave them an F and didn't distinguish between any of the picks.

Awesome, we just won the Joe Alexander award for ignoring a season of results and going with the beauty of a workout.

If I were hiring a plumber I'd rather watch him work on jobs for 4 months straight than to go by the written exam I gave him. Aptitude is nice, but performance doing the actual job is much better.

I really need to see some outstanding play out of George and Lance in summer league. That's not the final say, but a lackluster effort is going to put this draft into a very dark light. If I just bet the longshot horse I don't want to see it come out of the gate in last place.